HomeNewsPortuguese textiles leave for Tokyo with their eyes set on the East

Portuguese textiles leave for Tokyo with their eyes set on the East

An entourage of Portuguese companies will attend the next edition of Jitac European Textile Fair, Japan's largest textile fair, which will take place from March 26th to 28th, in Tokyo. The Portuguese industry seeks to stand out by betting on quality products.

The country of the Rising Sun is traditionally a desirable destination for the Portuguese companies. After all, the Portuguese were the first Westerners to disembark in the Japanese archipelago in the distant year of 1543, and since then have established strong commercial and diplomatic ties.

The same trip has been relived for the last years by a large textile delegation, which is now prepararing to take part in the next edition of Jitac European Textile Fair, in Tokyo, between March 26th and 28th. Burel Factory, Eurobotónia, Fitecom, Lemar, Lurdes Sampaio, Otojal, Têxtil de Serzedelo and Troficolor are the companies that make up the Associação Selectiva Moda’s From Portugal entourage, which is joined by Adalberto Estampados, Gierlings Velpor, Paulo de Oliveira, Riopele, Somelos and Tessimex.

For the Portuguese, Japan is an attractive market, not only for its sales potential, but because is also a demanding market, very sensitive to product quality. "Japan is very important for high quality standards," explains Maria Pimenta, Têxtil de Serzedelo’s CEO. In Tokyo, the company wants to get closer to the Japanese market, having prepared an exhibition with organic yarns, Cupro and a blend of fibres and linens.

"The Japanese market has a lot of renowned and prestigious brands," adds Carlos Serra, Troficolor’s CEO. Participating in the fair for the 14th time, this company, which already has some Japanese customers, hopes to consolidate these relations by presenting its new Spring/Summer 2020 collection. The highlight will be the denim and the sustainable materials, such as recycled cotton and polyester.

Fitecom also looks to Jitac as an important test, one that the company wants to pass with flying colours. "It is a prestigious fair in which we try to confirm Fitecom’s high quality level," says Nuno Neves, the company’s representative. At the fair, the company will present several special finishes for suits, coats, trousers and skirts for men and women, as well as special fabrics for uniforms.

"Japan is a great market, one that we want to explore, and we believe our products meet its high level demand" adds Maria Sá, Lurdes Sampaio’s CEO. With this purpose in mind, the company will focus on sustainable products, with a wide range of recycled, organic and biodegradable articles.

The first timer Eurobotonia also bets on sustainable materials: “in addition to the Spring/Summer 2020 collection, we will present a little of all our articles, especially the natural materials ones," explains Alcino Gonçalves, the company's manager.

The Portuguese companies participation in Jitac European Textile is an initiative of Selectiva Moda and ATP - Textile and Clothing Association of Portugal, which aims to promote the internationalization of Portuguese fashion companies. The project “From Portugal” is co-financed by Portugal 2020, under Compete 2020 - Operational Program for Competitiveness and Internationalization, with an eligible support amount of €12,118,285.17, of which €6,695,352.55 comes through the European Regional Development Fund.